Special Needs Aide (Early Childhood)

SALADO ISD; Salado (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

SALADO ISD is seeking an instructional aide to help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. You will assist with IEP implementation under supervision of a certified teacher.

Position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Texas educational aide certificate, and two years of experience working with children. You will work under the principal and teacher supervision, supporting safety and confidentiality throughout

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Must have valid Texas educational aide certificate.
• Two years of experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Help meet the individual needs of student(s), including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting and positioning, and assisting with personal care.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s) and intervene in crisis situations as needed.
• Recognize differences in student needs and adapt methods accordingly.
• Develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises with assigned students.
• Assist assigned students throughout the school day, including lunchroom, bus, and playground.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).
• Maintain confidentiality and participate in professional development and meetings.

Skills

Ability to work with children with dis

Follow verbal and written instructions

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or two years of college

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Job description

• Date Posted: 9/3/2026
• Location: Thomas Arnold Elementary

Primary Purpose

Help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively

Experience:

Two years experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Student Management

• Help meet the individual needs of student(s) including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning; interpreting instructions; and assisting with physical needs and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student as needed.
• Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
• Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

*Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.